Ethiopian Airlines opens Lyon route, boosting Africa–Europe tourism

by ADANE BIKILA
ADDIS ABABA – ETHIOPIAN Airlines, Africa’s largest airline and a key driver of the continent’s aviation growth, has announced the launch of a new passenger service to Lyon, France, further strengthening Africa’s air links with Europe and expanding tourism and business opportunities for African destinations.

The thrice-weekly service, set to begin on 02 July 2026, will operate via Geneva, Switzerland, providing seamless access between Lyon and Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Airlines’ main hub and Africa’s leading aviation gateway.

With this addition, Ethiopian Airlines will now serve three destinations in France—Paris, Marseille, and Lyon—enhancing travel options for African passengers and reinforcing the continent’s connectivity with one of Europe’s most important travel markets.

For Africa’s tourism industry, the new Lyon route represents a significant opportunity.

Travelers from southeastern France will now enjoy easier access to more than 65 African destinations across East, West, Central, and Southern Africa through Addis Ababa.

This improved connectivity is expected to stimulate inbound tourism to African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Rwanda, and island destinations such as Zanzibar, Seychelles, and Mauritius.

Ethiopia, in particular, stands to benefit from increased tourist arrivals from France and neighboring European markets.

The country offers a unique blend of ancient history, cultural heritage, adventure tourism, and growing conference and business travel, supported by Addis Ababa’s expanding role as a continental aviation hub.

Commenting on the new service, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to Africa’s global connectivity.

“France has long been a strategic market for Ethiopian Airlines. The addition of Lyon strengthens our ability to connect Africa to Europe while facilitating tourism, trade, and people-to-people ties.

This new route provides our customers with seamless access to destinations across Africa and our global network,” he said.

As the continent’s largest airline, Ethiopian Airlines continues to play a central role in promoting Africa as a competitive and accessible tourism destination.

Its modern fleet and extensive network enable African travelers, tour operators, and travel agents to offer more efficient routes, reduced travel times, and enhanced connectivity to Europe and beyond.

The Lyon service also benefits the African diaspora living in France and neighboring countries, offering more convenient travel options to their home countries and supporting cultural and family ties across borders.

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates one of the youngest fleets in Africa, deploying ultra-modern aircraft on its international routes.

The airline serves as a critical bridge between Africa and the world, while actively supporting the continent’s tourism growth through strategic partnerships, multi-hub operations, and sustained network expansion.

The launch of the Lyon route aligns with Ethiopian Airlines’ long-term growth strategy, “Vision 2035,” which aims to position the group among the world’s leading aviation companies.

Through its Pan-African approach and multiple hubs across the continent, Ethiopian Airlines continues to strengthen Africa’s voice in global aviation and tourism.

With the introduction of services to Lyon, Ethiopian Airlines further reinforces its leadership role in connecting Africa to key global markets and advancing the continent’s travel and tourism ambitions.

– CAJ News